Looking at Culture
Jan, Leanne and Dave established ‘Culture on Fire’ in 2024.
All welcome
17th June 2026 at 0800 UK time
We’re really excited to announce our next Culture on Fire webinar, and this one is going to be a great conversation. 🔥
We’re welcoming Steve O’Malley AFSM to join us, a Senior Leading Firefighter with Fire Rescue Victoria, Honorary Life Member of Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), and Manager of Emergency Management Sector Engagement at Gender & Disaster Australia.
Steve has spent more than 30 years on the tools, and alongside that operational career he’s become one of the most respected voices in Australia on gender, diversity, and inclusion in emergency services. He’s a passionate advocate for preventing violence against women, a trainer, a presenter, and someone who genuinely walks the talk when it comes to cultural change.
We’re looking forward to hearing about his work at the intersection of gender and disaster, what it means in practice, why it matters for fire services, and what we can all be doing differently.
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=4293587041_1643891320000
Meeting ID: 429 358 7041
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Culture on Fire is an initiative aimed at transforming cultural norms within the fire service and other uniformed public services. It focuses on promoting equity, fostering inclusive environments, and addressing cultural challenges. The initiative is led by a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to inclusivity and equity. The movement seeks to connect people, examine systems, promote discussion and learning and build practical tools to support meaningful change.
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Online discussion
Meeting 1st September 2025, 0800 UK / 1900 Aotearoa.
Physical employment standards
The group saw a presentation of Leanne’s research on physical employment standards, presented at AFAC/WAFA Conference (Perth Australia in August of 2025). Leanne discussed the historical and legal context of Physical Employment Standards in the fire service, and suggested ways that fire services can adapt and change their PES to be more inclusive and equitable.
The group thought Leanne’s research should be very useful and Dr Dave was given the task of contracting FENZ Board in the hope they would adopt and promote Leanne’s research. Gratekeepers at the Board prevented any discussion at this level.
Meeting 22nd, July 2025, 0800 UK / 1900 Aotearoa.
The discussion agreed our terms of reference.
We then had a lengthy discussion on ‘The List.’ The discussion will result in an updating of what we hope will be a major contribution to provide levers for change in regard to harassment and bullying.
We also set the date for the next online discussion as 1st September 0800 UK time. 1900 Aotearoa time.
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Promoting Equity in the Fire Service
Culture on Fire champions equality and equity within the fire service.
We promote and explore cultural challenges and share insights to inspire positive change and inclusive dialogue.
We seek an outcome to promote equality and equity that will be achieved through sharing and discussion.
Latest News
Contact us by messaging through the Culture on Fire Group at LinkeDin, or contact Jan,
Explore diverse perspectives and in-depth articles that delve into the culture and challenges within public services.
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The Role of Discussion in Cultural Change
Cultural change rarely starts with policy. It starts when people talk, often…
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Sharing Stories: Changing Service Cultures
Culture change in fire services is often framed around policy, structure, and…
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Inclusive Dialogue
Promoting open conversations, particularly on LinkeDin, to help seek understanding.
Seeking Resources
Looking for research to foster change.
Developing Strategies
Looking for ways to improve service cultures.
site in course of construction
Championing Equality in the Fire Service
Explore our libary and developing collection of writing to support diversity in uniformed public services.